Preconditioned air connector assembly for aircraft

ABSTRACT

In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/602,310, entitled “Preconditioned Air Connector Assembly forAircraft”, filed Jun. 24, 2003, which is herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

An aircraft in flight utilizes various subsystems to maintain acomfortable cabin environment. For example, these subsystems may provideelectricity, maintain cabin pressure or control the circulation andtemperature air within the cabin. However, on the ground, thesesubsystems may be at least partially deactivated in an effort toconserve power and the life expectancy of aircraft components. Upondeactivation of the climate control subsystem, for example, theconditions within the aircraft may become undesirable for themaintenance crew preparing the aircraft for the next flight or forpassengers boarding or deplaning. Accordingly, many airports providedocking stations which, when coupled to the aircraft, substitute for theaircraft's subsystems.

In one such example, it is common practice in the air transportationindustry to provide preconditioned air (PCA) to an aircraft docked at agate. Typically, the preconditioned air is routed from a ground source,through a flexible conduit and into the aircraft. In completing therouting, a PCA connector is provided to securely couple the conduit tothe aircraft. Because PCA connectors are coupled to various types ofaircraft, aircraft manufactures as well as PCA connector manufacturershave traditionally adhered to a common design. More particularly, thedesign specifications as set forth in Military Standards MS33562 (ASG)entitled “Connection, Aircraft Ground Air Conditioning, 8 inch, minimumrequirements.”

This uniformity in design permits the same PCA connector to be used atairports worldwide. Accordingly, PCA connectors are subject toenvironmental conditions that range from tropical to arctic tundra toarid dessert. Moreover, the frequency with which PCA connectors areengaged and disengaged from a given aircraft suggests the desirabilityof a durable and sturdy design. All too often, PCA connectors have beenknown to be disengaged from the aircraft and subsequently dropped,approximately 8-10 feet, to the ground. This can dent, deform orotherwise damage conventional connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein thenylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strengthover a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylonbody may be described as a single structure with integral features, suchas a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion,and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by theone-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may includea latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to anaircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair oflevers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylonbody. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in oppositedirections relative to one another to impart movement of the latches inthe same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments ofthe latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches,respectively.

DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention willbecome apparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary PCA connector, whereinthe PCA connector is coupled to a flexible conduit represented in thefigure in dashed lines;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary PCA connector of FIG. 1illustrating a number of exemplary features integrated into the body ofthe connector;

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively illustrate plan and side views of anexemplary actuation member, wherein the actuation member includes acamming surface disposed within a slot; additionally, FIG. 3Aillustrates a locking portion located within the slot;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary PCA connector of FIG.1 along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the exemplary PCA connector in theunlocked or open position; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the exemplary PCA connector astransitioning to the locked or closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a PCAconnector assembly 10 is illustrated. The exemplary PCA connectorassembly 10 comprises a PCA connector 12 having a flexible conduit 14coupled to one end and being coupled, at the opposite end, to anaircraft inlet 16. To provide preconditioned air to the aircraft, theflexible conduit 14 is coupled, at the distal end, to a preconditionedair source (not shown), typically provided by the airport facility ateach gate. Upon arrival of the aircraft at the gate, an operator maymanually align the connector 12 with the inlet 16 and, subsequently,secure the connector to the aircraft. Once fully secured, the PCAconnector assembly 10 provides a fluid flow path for the preconditionedair to travel from the source to the aircraft.

To facilitate this coupling, the PCA connector 12 comprises a number offeatures. In one embodiment, the PCA connector 12 comprises a tubularbody 18 having integrated bearing structures 20. Only the externalcasings of the integrated bearing structures 20 are visible in thisfigure. However, the internal features of the respective bearingstructures 20 are further described in greater detail below.

As discussed above, the connector 12 may be subject to harshenvironments and operator abuse. Keeping this in mind, the connector 12,for optimal use, may be designed to withstand changes in climate thatcan induce thermal cracking, unwanted expansion and corrosion intraditional connectors. Accordingly, the connector 12 may compriseZytel®, an injection moldable nylon resin available from the DuPontCompany. This material provides excellent strength characteristics overa large range of temperature and moisture conditions. Moreover, thismaterial is extremely resistant to corrosion. Accordingly, Zytel®presents characteristics desirable to the construction of the instantconnector 12. However, other materials are also envisaged. For example,many other types of injection-moldable plastics such as HDPE may providesuitable performance, particularly as compared to traditional materials.Advantageously, injection molded plastics also provide a lightweightconstruction that permits an operator to easily manipulate and positionthe connector 12.

Returning to the components of the connector 12, a pair of actuatingmembers 22 is coupled to the body 18. Advantageously, the actuatingmembers 22 may be employed to position the assembly 10 and may also beemployed to provide actuation leverage, as further discussed below. Toprovide a more ergonomic gripping surface for the operator, cushionedgrips 24 may be sheathed over the actuating members 22. Additionally, inthe exemplary connector 12, covers 26, secured by a plurality of screws28 threadingly engaged to the body 18, are disposed over a portion ofthe actuating members 22 and coupled to the bearing assembly 20.

The connector 12 further comprises a flange portion 30 that extendsalong the perimeter of one side of the body 18. Structural support maybe provided to the flange 30 portion by integrated buttresses 32 locatedoptimally about the body 18. Features of the exemplary flange 30 areapertures 34 through which securing members 36 partially extend. In thisfigure, only a clamping portion 38 of the respective securing members 36is visible. However, other features of the securing members 36 arediscussed more fully below. Also, as further discussed below, actuationof the securing members 36 facilities coupling of the exemplaryconnector 12 to the aircraft inlet 16.

Upon coupling of the connector 12 to the aircraft inlet 16,preconditioned air may be routed, under pressure, from thepreconditioned air source into the interior region of the flexibleconduit 14. From the conduit 14, the preconditioned air is then routedinto the aircraft inlet 16 through an interior region 40 of theconnector 12. To ensure that the conduit 14 remains coupled to connector12 during operation, a band clamp (not shown) may be disposed just abovestop ribs 42 and tightened. Accordingly, the band clamp imparts aradially inward force constraining the conduit on the connector 12 and,resultantly, aids in securing the conduit 14 to the connector 12.Additionally, a flexible seal 44 may be disposed between the flange 30and the inlet 16 to prevent the unwanted escape of preconditioned air.Once the preconditioned air route is assembled, preconditioned air maybe routed therethrough and subsequently distributed into the cabin andcockpit of the aircraft via an internal duct system (not shown).

Referring next to FIG. 2, a number of exemplary features that may beintegrated into the body 18 of the connector 12 are illustrated. Forexample, the body 18 may comprise an integrated guide channel 46. Whenassembled, at least a portion of the securing member 36 resides withinthe guide channel 46. Advantageously, to prevent the unwanted rotationaland radial movements of the securing member 36, the dimensions of theguide channel 46 are such that the guide channel 46 closely sheaths thesecuring member 36. In other words, the guide channel 46 may beconfigured to restrict movement of the securing member 36 to the axialor, based on the orientation of the present figure, up and downdirections. In the present embodiment, the guide channel 42 terminatesat the aperture 34, and, as such, only the clamping portion 38 of thesecuring member 36 remains accessible when the connector 12 isassembled.

Another feature integrated into the body 18 of the exemplary connector12 may be an integrated bearing structure 48. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, the integrated bearing structure 48 provides supportto actuation member 22 which, in turn, is pivotably coupled to the body18, as well as to the securing member 36. Simply put, the bearingstructure 48 supports the radial and thrust loads imparted on theactuation member 22. By integrating the bearing assembly 48 into thebody 18, the likelihood of separation between the body 18 and thebearing support 48 is reduced. To the operator, the increased durabilitymay quickly translate into a reduction in maintenance expenses as wellas a reduction in down time.

Focusing on the pivotable coupling between the actuation member 22 andthe body 18, this coupling comprises a pivot pin 50 received by anintegrated sleeve portion 52 of the bearing 48, wherein the sleeveportion 52 traverses into the interior region 40 of the connector 12. Inassembling the coupling, the pivot pin 50 may be coaxially insertedthrough a pivot opening 54 disposed on the actuation member 22 and,subsequently, through the integrated sleeve 52. After insertion of thepivot pin 50, the coupling may be secured by fastening a securing nut 56which may be threaded onto the portion of the pivot pin 50 extendingbeyond the sleeve 52 and into the interior region 40 of the connector12. If so desired, washers 58 may be coaxially placed between the pin 50and the actuation member 22 as well as between securing nut 56 and thebody 18. As assembled, the coupling allows rotation of the actuationmember 22, while the bearing structure 48 supports the radial and thrustloads and prevents undesired movement of the actuation member 22 in theradial and axial directions.

Additional features integrated into the body 18 may be cover mounts 60and brace members 62. In this exemplary embodiment, the cover mounts 60threadingly receive the screws 28, thereby securing the cover 26 to thebody. Extending between the respective cover mounts 60 as well asbetween the cover mounts 60 and the integrated bearing structure 48, arebracing members 62 which, in the exemplary embodiment, provide torsionalrigidity to the body 18 and the respective integrated features.Additionally, as further discussed below, the bracing members 62 mayassist in the support and alignment of the cover 26.

The covers 26 may comprise a number of integrated interior features thatare advantageous to the assembly of the connector 12. For example, thecover 26 may comprise integrated buttresses 64. The buttresses 64 may beoriented vertically and, when the cover 26 is assembled, may bedimensioned such that the securing member 36 lightly abuts against thebuttresses 64. Additionally, bracing members 62 may also be integrallyfashioned on the cover 26. The bracing members 62, similar to those onthe body 18, may provide alignment assistance and torsional rigidity tothe cover 26.

Focusing on the actuation member 22 and securing members 36 of thepresent exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates that the two membersmay be coupled to one another. In achieving this coupling, the actuationmember 22 may comprise a slot 66 through which an engagement pin 68 maybe received. The engagement pin 68 may be inserted through the slot 66as well as through a positioning hole 70 located in the lower portion ofthe securing member 36. Once properly aligned, the securing member 36and the actuation member 22 may be securely coupled by fastening aretaining nut 72 onto the threaded portion of the engagement pin 68.Upon assembly, the disposition of the engagement pin 68 within the slot66 positionably couples the securing member 36 to the actuation member22. Moreover, as discussed above, the integrated guide channel 46 of theexemplary embodiment restricts movement of the securing member 36 to theaxial direction, and, as such, provides support to the securing member36. Accordingly, the securing member 36 is primarily supported by theactuation member 22 to which it is coupled.

In conjunction with a camming surface 74, as defined by the perimeter ofthe slot 66, the pivotal movement of the actuation member 22 directs theaxial movement of the securing member 36. In other words, the rotationalmovement of the actuation member 22 translates into the axialdisplacement of the securing member 36. Because the integrated guidechannel 46 restricts movement of the securing member to all but theaxial direction, only the axial component of force applied to thesecuring member 36 or engagement pin 68 will result in displacement ofthe securing member 36. Keeping this in mind, the kinetic interactionbetween the camming surface 74 and the engagement pin 68 imparts anumber of forces on the securing member 32, however, only the axialcomponent of the applied force will result in displacement, which, asdiscussed above, is limited to the axial direction. Accordingly, as theactuation member 22 is rotated in a direction generally tangential withrespect to the body 18, the camming surface 74 defines the axialposition of the securing member 32.

Particulars of the exemplary actuation member 22, slot 66 and cammingsurface 74 are more clearly illustrated in regards to FIGS. 3A and 3B.The actuation member 22 comprises an upper portion 76 coupled to a lowerportion 78 by a transition portion 80. In this exemplary embodiment, thelower portion 78 may be configured to reside further outward, radially,with respect to the body 18 (see FIG. 2). Advantageously, this outwardconfiguration provides additional access space between the lower portion78 and the flexible conduit 14 (see FIG. 1) to the operator.

The upper portion 76 of the actuation member 22 comprises both the pivotopening 54 as well as the slot 66. In this embodiment, the perimeter ofthe slot 66 defines an arcuate camming surface 74. However, otherarrangements are also envisaged. For example, the camming surface 74 maybe angular in nature. The present arcuate camming surface 74, however,provides a smooth transitional surface. In other words, duringactuation, the interaction between the engagement pin 68 (see FIG. 2)and the camming surface 74 produces a smooth axial displacement of thesecuring member 36 (see FIG. 2). To maintain good mechanical fit, thepivot opening 54 and the slot 66 may be dimensioned to have respectivediameters only slightly larger than the respective pins 50 and 68 theycarry. By dimensioning the opening 54 and slot 66 as such, a moreprecise and controlled movement of the assembly can be achieved.

Within the slot 66 may be a locking portion 82. In the presentedembodiment, the locking portion 82 receives the engagement pin 68 andreleasably retains the engagement pin 68. By retaining the engagementpin 68, the actuation member 22 may be secured at the defined position.Accordingly, undesired or accidental axial movement of the securingmember 36 may be avoided.

The exemplary locking portion 82 may comprise an apex 84 that restrictsmovement of the engagement pin 68 within the slot 66. When theengagement pin 68 is brought into abutment with one side of the apex 84,the movement of the pin 68 within the slot 66 is resisted. To overcomethe resistance, an additional pivotal force may be applied to theactuation member 22. The additional force, in turn, may induce a slightelastic deformation (i.e. compression) in the seal 44 (see FIG. 1). Thisslight deformation allows the engagement pin 68 to travel into thelocking portion of the slot. Subsequently, to release the engagement pin68 from the locking portion 84, a pivotal force in the oppositedirection may be applied to the actuation member 22, thereby inducing asimilar compression in the seal 44 for removal of the connector 12 fromthe aircraft. Seal 44 may thus serve as a biasing element in theassembly. Alternatively, other biasing elements may be provided to allowreleasable locking of the actuation member 22 in its engaged position.

Referring next to FIG. 4, the cross-sectional illustration of theexemplary connector 12 affords a view of the interaction, upon assembly,of the features therein. For example, this figure illustrates thepresently preferred dimensional relationships between the variouscomponents. As one example, the close dimensioning between the bracingmember 62, the actuating member 22 and the integrated bearing structure48 provides supplementary mechanical rigidity to the connector 12.

Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates the dependency of the axial position ofthe securing member 36 on that of the camming surface 74. In the axialdirection, the securing member 36 is primarily supported by theengagement pin 68 which, in turn, is primarily supported, again in theaxial direction, by the camming surface 74. Keeping in mind that theintegrated guide channel 46 as well as certain features on the cover 26restrict movement of the securing member 36 to the axial direction,forces imparted on the engagement pin 68 by the camming surface 74 willcause displacement of the securing member 36 in the axial direction. Inother words, the relative height of the camming surface 74 defines theaxial position of the securing member 36. Accordingly, the rotationalmotion of the actuating member 36, in a direction generally tangentialto the body, translates into axial displacement of the securing member36.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, operation of the present embodiment isaddressed. When the aircraft is docked at the gate, the operator maymanually position the connector 12 into abutment with the aircraft inlet16 (see FIG. 1). At this point, the connector 12 is in the releasedconfiguration as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the lowerportions of the actuation members 22 are at offset positions withrespect to one another. Additionally, the securing members 36 are in anupwardly biased position. This upward position, allows a latchingportion (not shown) disposed on the aircraft inlet 16 (see FIG. 1) to befreely inserted into the clamping portion of the securing members 32.

After the connector 12 is properly positioned with respect to theaircraft inlet 16 and latching portion, the operator may pivotallyactuate the actuation members 22 in a direction generally tangential tothe body and in a direction 86 towards one another, as depicted in FIG.6. Referring also to FIG. 2, the actuation initiates engagement betweenthe camming surface 74 and the engagement pin 68. The camming surface 74directs the clamping portion 38 of the securing member 36 in thedownward direction. This causes the clamping portion 38 to securelyengage with a latching portion (not shown) of the aircraft inlet 16.Moreover, the actuation, of the present embodiment, draws the connector12 into abutting engagement with the inlet 16 and compresses the seal 44(FIG. 1).

As stated above, the slot 66 (see FIG. 1) may comprise a locking portion82 (see FIG. 3A) that secures the position of the respective actuatingmember 22. In this embodiment, the locking portion 82 may be configuredwithin the slot 66 such that the locking portion 82 secures theconnector 12 in the fully engaged position thereby maintaining securedengagement between the aircraft inlet 16 (see FIG. 1) and the connector12. In other words, upon final engagement, the locking portion maintainsthe actuation members 22 in a parallel configuration, and simultaneouslymaintains the securing member 36 in the downward position.

In limiting the movement of the securing member 36 to the axialdirection, a number of advantages may be realized. For example, theaxial movement of the securing member 32 draws the flexible seal 44 intoengagement with the aircraft inlet 16, thereby creating a tight sealbetween the inlet 16 and the connector 12. Additionally, limiting themovement of the securing member 32 to the axial direction reduces thelikelihood of damage to the clamping portion 38. Simply put, thelimitation or axial reduces the potentially damaging affects of slidingor rotational abutment between the clamping portion 38 and the latchingportion of the inlet 16.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the followingappended claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A preconditioned air connector, comprising: ahollow body configured to route a fluid therethrough; a hook memberconfigured to mate with a cooperating element to draw the hollow bodyinto fluid communication with the cooperating element; and a pivotablemember actuatable in a direction generally tangential to the hollow bodyto direct axial translation of the hook member from a first position toa second position to draw the hollow body into fluid communication withthe cooperating element, wherein the pivotable member comprises anarcuate camming surface having a locking portion that secures theconnector in a fully engaged position with respect to the cooperatingelement.
 22. The preconditioned air connector of claim 21, wherein thecamming surface is an inner periphery of a slot formed in the pivotablemember.
 23. The preconditioned air connector of claim 22, comprising apin that engages the camming surface to axially translate the hookmember as the pivotable member is pivoted.
 24. The preconditioned airconnector of claim 23, comprising a flexible seal disposed adjacent tothe hollow body, the flexible seal being compressed against a matingcomponent when the hook member is translated from the first to thesecond position.
 25. The preconditioned air connector of claim 24,wherein the seal is compressible, and wherein compression of the sealbiases the pin into the locking portion of the camming surface.
 26. Thepreconditioned air connector of claim 21, wherein the hollow bodyincludes at least one support structure for supporting the pivotablemember.
 27. The preconditioned air connector of claim 21, wherein thecamming surface defines the first and second positions.
 28. Thepreconditioned air connector of claim 21, wherein the hook member isconfigured to releasably secure the connector to an aircraft.
 29. Thepreconditioned air connector of claim 21, a second hook memberconfigured to mate with a second cooperating element to draw the hollowbody into fluid communication with the cooperating element, and a secondpivotable member actuatable in a direction generally tangential to thehollow body to direct axial translation of the second hook member from afirst position to a second position to draw the hollow body into fluidcommunication with the cooperating element, wherein the second pivotablemember comprises a second arcuate camming surface having a secondlocking portion that secures the connector in a fully engaged positionwith respect to the cooperating element.
 30. The preconditioned airconnector of claim 29, wherein the hook member and the second hookmember are disposed at diametrically opposite locations around thehollow body.
 31. The preconditioned air connector of claim 29, whereinpivotable member and the second pivotable member are pivotally actuatedin opposite tangential directions for translation of the hook member andthe second hook member, respectively.
 32. A preconditioned airconnector, comprising: a hollow body configured to route a fluidtherethrough; a first hook member configured to mate with a cooperatingelement to draw the hollow body into fluid communication with thecooperating element; a first pivotable member actuatable in a directiongenerally tangential to the hollow body to direct axial translation ofthe first hook member from a first position to a second position to drawthe hollow body into fluid communication with the cooperating element,wherein the first pivotable member comprises a first arcuate cammingsurface having a first locking portion that secures the connector in afully engaged position with respect to the cooperating element; a secondhook member configured to mate with a second cooperating element to drawthe hollow body into fluid communication with the cooperating element;and a second pivotable member actuatable in a direction generallytangential to the hollow body to direct axial translation of the secondhook member from a first position to a second position to draw thehollow body into fluid communication with the cooperating element,wherein the second pivotable member comprises a second arcuate cammingsurface having a second locking portion that secures the connector in afully engaged position with respect to the cooperating element.
 33. Thepreconditioned air connector of claim 32, wherein the camming surfacesare formed on an inner peripheries of a slot formed in the respectivepivotable member.
 34. The preconditioned air connector of claim 33,comprising pins that engage each respective camming surface to axiallytranslate the respective hook member as the respective pivotable memberis pivoted.
 35. The preconditioned air connector of claim 32, comprisinga flexible seal disposed adjacent to the hollow body, the flexible sealbeing compressed against a mating component when the hook members aretranslated from the first to the second position.
 36. The preconditionedair connector of claim 35, wherein the seal is compressible, and whereincompression of the seal biases the pins into the respective lockingportion of the respective camming surface.
 37. The preconditioned airconnector of claim 32, wherein the first and second hook members aredisposed at diametrically opposite locations around the hollow body. 38.The preconditioned air connector of claim 32, wherein first and secondpivotable members are pivotally actuated in opposite tangentialdirections.
 39. A preconditioned air connector, comprising: a hollowbody configured to route a fluid therethrough; a first hook memberconfigured to mate with a cooperating element to draw the hollow bodyinto fluid communication with the cooperating element; a first pivotablemember actuatable in a direction generally tangential to the hollow bodyto direct axial translation of the first hook member from a firstposition to a second position to draw the hollow body into fluidcommunication with the cooperating element, wherein the first pivotablemember comprises a first arcuate camming surface having a first lockingportion that secures the connector in a fully engaged position withrespect to the cooperating element; a second hook member disposed at adiametrically opposite location around the hollow body from the firsthook member and configured to mate with a second cooperating element todraw the hollow body into fluid communication with the cooperatingelement; a second pivotable member actuatable in a direction generallytangential to the hollow body but opposite from the direction ofactuation of the first pivotable member to direct axial translation ofthe second hook member from a first position to a second position todraw the hollow body into fluid communication with the cooperatingelement, wherein the second pivotable member comprises a second arcuatecamming surface having a second locking portion that secures theconnector in a fully engaged position with respect to the cooperatingelement; and a flexible seal disposed adjacent to the hollow body, theflexible seal being compressed against a mating component when the hookmembers are translated from the first to the second position.
 40. Thepreconditioned air connector of claim 39, wherein the seal iscompressible, and wherein compression of the seal biases the pins intothe respective locking portion of the respective camming surface.